Chapter 4

Rose Wilder was ten days old. Her proud parents brought her to church and Reverend Alden introduced the newest member of the Wilder family. After he dismissed the congregation, Rose and her parents were swarmed by friends and neighbors wishing them well. Several congratulated Charles and Caroline on becoming grandparents.

Feeling left out, Eliza Jane slipped quietly into the back of the room. She slinked out the door and made her way to the hotel. After a few minutes Laura looked for Eliza Jane through the crowd. Not seeing her, she got worried. She passed Rose over to Manly and told him she was going to see if Eliza Jane went back to Nellie's.

Laura strode across the street and up the stairs of the hotel. She went up to Eliza Jane's room and knocked on the door. A somber Eliza Jane appeared on the other side.

"Oh Laura, what a surprise." She attempted a smile.

"Why did you leave?" asked Laura.

"I…a…I needed to grade a few papers before school tomorrow."

Laura looked annoyed. "You don't ever grade papers on Sunday," she pointed out.

Eliza Jane backed away from the door and motioned Laura inside. "I'm sorry," she said looking down at her feet. "I should have told you the truth." Eliza Jane fiddled with her fingers.

Laura stepped in closer and took Eliza Jane's hands in hers. Looking up at her she asked, "What is it? You've been acting strangely ever since Rose was born. Have I done something to upset you?"

"Mercy no!" Eliza Jane exclaimed. "It's just…" She turned away and walked over to the window. She stared out at the street below, not able to look at Laura. "It's just I've been feeling a little jealous of you and Mannie lately."

"Jealous of what?" she asked, confused.

"Your marriage - Rose - your life." Eliza Jane slapped her hands down on her legs, frustrated. She turned to face the younger woman. "Laura, you and Almanzo have everything I want — each other, a baby, and a life full of promise. All I have to look forward to is a teaching job in a city I can't stand and spending the rest of my life alone."

Laura felt overwhelming compassion for her sister-in-law. "Eliza Jane, you must know that's not true. Maybe it didn't work out with Harv, but that doesn't mean you have to be alone."

"I can't go through it again Laura. I couldn't stand being rejected again. Besides, I told you Harv is the only man for me."

With determination Laura strode over to her sister-in-law. "Well then, have you tried to find out why he spent his last letter reminiscing about old times?"

"Well no but…"

Laura didn't want to hear her excuses. "No buts Eliza Jane. That man asked you to come to St. Louis to get married. Maybe he got cold feet…"

"No he didn't," admitted Eliza Jane.

A wide–eyed Laura stopped for a moment, unsure of what she heard. "What?"

"Harv never asked me to come to St. Louis with him. He never asked me to marry him."

Dumbfounded, Laura could not form her mouth into words. Eliza Jane took her arm and led her to the bed, and then sat down across from her. Eliza Jane closed her eyes and took a deep breath before explaining.

"I knew Almanzo would never change his mind about you teaching in Radner. It broke my heart to think of the two of you living apart just because of his stubborn pride." She blinked twice, swallowed hard, and continued. "Harv told me he didn't love me before he left Walnut Grove. I made him promise not to say anything to Almanzo."

"Why Eliza Jane?" Laura shook her head. "I just don't understand why you did it?"

"I didn't want to stay in Walnut Grove after Harv left. I knew people would feel sorry for me. So I decided it would be best if I moved on. But Mannie would never have let me go off to live on my own, even if it was what I wanted. If he thought Harv and I were getting married, he wouldn't have a problem with it. That left the house and the farm for the two of you, and you could teach right here." Eliza Jane shrugged. "It all seemed so simple in the beginning."

"I don't know what to say." Laura stared into her lap for a few seconds, then stood up and began to pace the floor as she spoke, thinking of what had transpired. "Eliza Jane, you've made such sacrifices for Almanzo…and for me. It is because of you that we are married instead of living separate lives." The memories of Laura's wedding day flashed through her mind. "I can't even begin to think of how we can repay you."

Eliza Jane came to stand in front of her. "Nonsense, you owe me nothing. Just allowing me to spend time here and see Rose is enough for me."

"Some repayment. Being here has been miserable for you."

"Not all the time. I've liked seeing my former students again. I enjoy teaching here more than any other place I've been."

"Now I'm more confused than ever though," admitted Laura. "If Harv broke it off with you before he left, why does he keep writing to you?"

"I think he feels sorry for me too, and a bit guilty he didn't feel the same way. He did say though, that he appreciated my friendship."

Laura shook her head. "Are you sure that's all he's looking for Eliza Jane?"

"Laura, let's not start this again."

"Just listen to me a minute. The man has written to you since he settled in Minneapolis and now he's reminiscing about old times. That doesn't sound like he wants just friendship to me." She paused and looked up at the ceiling before retuning her gaze to Eliza Jane. "What if he is trying to find out if he still has a chance with you?"

"Why wouldn't he just come out and say it?" asked a confused and intrigued Eliza Jane.

"Maybe he's afraid you'll turn him away because of your past."

"I don't know Laura. It all seems too farfetched to believe Harv has feelings for me."

"Well, you'll be able to ask him in person next week."

"What?" Eliza Jane asked in surprise.

"Harv wrote to Almanzo before Rose was born complaining about how hectic city life was, so Almanzo and I invited Harv here for Christmas."

"How could you do that without telling me?"

"Would you have stayed in Walnut Grove if I had told you?" asked Laura.

"Of course not."

"Now you know why I didn't say anything." Laura smirked.

Exasperated and afraid Eliza Jane threw up her hands. "I can't believe you two deceived me like this."

Laura chuckled. "I don't think you can talk to me about deceiving anyone."

Eliza Jane blushed. "What am I going to do once Harv gets here?" she asked in despair.

Laura straightened up and looked her sister-in-law right in the eyes. "You're going to ask him if he loves you," she said firmly.